Canada Express Entry Latest Draw (2026)

Latest Canada Express Entry Draws in 2026

Canada’s Express Entry system has transformed skilled immigration selection since it was introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is a transparent, points-based application management system that ranks candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates with the highest CRS scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR).

How the Canada Express Entry Draw Process Works

In each Express Entry draw:

1. IRCC ranks candidates in the pool according to their CRS score
2. CRS evaluates age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors
3. The highest-ranked candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Draws can be:

1. General (all programs)
2. Program-specific (e.g., CEC, PNP)
3. Category-based (targeted occupations or language streams)

Express Entry includes candidates from:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
4. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Canada Express Entry Latest Draws – 2026

Below are the first two official Express Entry draws in 2026, verified from IRCC:

Notes on 2026 Draws

1. The first draw of 2026 focused on PNP candidates, with a high minimum CRS of 711 due to the 600-point bonus for provincial nominations.
2. The second draw of 2026 was a large CEC-only round, issuing 8,000 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 511, one of the largest CEC rounds in recent years.

These early 2026 results show IRCC’s continued emphasis on program-specific selection and in-Canada experience.

How the 2026 Draws Affect Applicants

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

1. Offers a 600-point CRS boost, practically guaranteeing an ITA for qualified nominees.
2. The PNP-specific draw (#389) shows this remains a strong pathway at the start of 2026.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

1. IRCC’s #390 draw invited a very high number (8,000) of CEC candidates.
2. The relatively lower CRS cut-off (511) compared to PNP reflects IRCC’s ongoing policy focus on candidates already working in Canada.

 

Final Thoughts — 2026 Express Entry Outlook

Canada’s immigration targets under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan remain robust, with the CRS system adapting through category-based and program-specific draws. While draw frequency and cut-offs change, early 2026 data suggests:

1. PNP and CEC programs will continue to dominate early draws
2. CRS cut-offs vary widely by program type
3. Successful applicants should keep language tests current and profiles updated